Hockey: Kiwis facing massive test schedule

By Suzanne McFadden

At least 42 tests await the New Zealand women's hockey team before they even get to next year's Sydney Olympics.

The demanding test itinerary was unveiled to astonished players at the national trial in Auckland yesterday.

It is part of a progressive agenda for the world No 6 hockey team, who also have a new coach and a new source of funding through to the end of 2000.

New Zealand's international programme begins next month with a tour of Argentina. They will play 17 tests this year - including the elite Champions Trophy - and 25 in the eight months of 2000 before the Olympics.

"It's going to require a lot of commitment from the players' employers and families too," said New Zealand captain Anna Lawrence.

"We'll be touring for 53 days this year and 91 next season. It's a lot to cope with when you're working for a living as well. But you've got to look at it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to play at an Olympics."

The New Zealanders will play most of the world's top sides - including Australia, Holland, India and South Africa - in home test series. That is a direct benefit from having the Olympics in this part of the world.

"We've really got to play that many games so we have the experience. We need to recognise all situations under pressure," Lawrence said.

For once, funding should not be an issue. Philips Ladyshave are the team's new naming sponsors - and there is on-going support from the New Zealand Sports Foundation and Canterbury of New Zealand.

"We feel like we're really well supported now," Lawrence said.

New national coach Jan Borren yesterday briefed the country's top 25 players on his philosophies for the next 18 months.

The highlight of 1999 is likely to be the Champions Trophy in Brisbane in May, where only the world's top six teams are invited.

"In my nine years playing for New Zealand I've never played in a Champions Trophy," Lawrence said.

"We've proven we're sixth in the world, but there's not a lot between No 2 and No 6."

The national squad of 25 finished two days of trials yesterday, playing matches against the Auckland under-21 and under-18 men's sides. The team to tour Argentina will be named this week.

New Zealand test itinerary.-

1999: tour to Argentina (4 tests), March; v England (1 test) Brisbane, June; Champions Trophy (6 tests) Brisbane, June; Four Nations tournament (3 tests) England, August; Oceania Cup qualifier v Australia (3 tests) September.

2000: v India (4 tests) New Zealand, February; European tour (3 tests) March; Olympic qualifier (7 tests) England, March; v Argentina (4 tests), New Zealand, June; v South Africa (4 tests), New Zealand, August; v Holland (3 tests), New Zealand, September; Sydney Olympics, September.